Outdoor furniture and backyard decor is expensive! For those of you that want to save a few bucks, we have some solutions for you.
Read on as we share 10 ways to improve your deck and yard without spending much money…or any money at all!
- Make new slipcovers or outdoor chair covers with an old shower curtain and pillows.
- Bend PVC pipes together with elbows and tees for easy outdoor candle holders or lights not made from glass or delicate materials.
- Use pallets (free) and paint them with chalkboard paint (a cheap craft store purchase) for a quick side table with no sharp edges, like the one pictured above left.
- Buy a faux-painting kit (99 cents) and paint them on your deck boards to add some color and flair to your outdoor space, like the one pictured above right.
- Get an old pant leg from any cloth store ($1) for this easy DIY tie-back.
- Make inexpensive coasters out of scrapbook paper or magazine pages by gluing them together with Elmer’s glue then wrapping around a wine cork coaster that you can buy at the dollar store, like the ones pictured above left.
- Attach rope light ($10) under furniture so you get low light in the evenings without having to turn overhead lights or lamps, which could attract bugs, on
- Bamboo roman shade rods ($25) make great outdoor sun shades if you know how to make a simple rod pocket for the ends using an old t-shirt cut into strips and sewn together with yarn.
- Add water features to your yard like this DIY Noodle Fountain made from inexpensive brackets, pump, hose connectors, noodles and rocks. You can find instructions here.
- Lastly, don’t forget about your pets! They deserve some stylish digs too! Make them custom pet furniture out of cardboard boxes or have one custom-made by a company like Picasso.
FAQs:
Q: How do you make a slipcover with an old shower curtain?
A: Just follow these simple instructions on how to make a slipcover with an old shower curtain.
Q: What’s the best way to paint a deck or porch?
A: To start this project, first sand your deck/porch using some fine grit sandpaper (150-220), then prime it using an oil-based primer and finally topcoat it with a good quality exterior latex paint.
Q: What’s the easiest way to decorate for outdoor entertaining?
A: In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with fresh flowers! They are easy on the budget and they instantly bring life, color and warmth to your outdoor space
Q: For those who prefer more permanent solutions, what are some inexpensive ways to decorate for outdoor entertaining?
A: Pretty much anything that is made from natural materials like baskets, clay pots, pottery or wicker that can be used seasonally will save you money. If you’re on a tight budget but still want some permanency use wooden furniture with removable cushions which allows you to change them out as often as you’d like at little cost. You could even cut up old t-shirts or fabric remnants into pillows or make slipcovers for existing furniture.
Q: How can I make roman shades?
A: If you know how to sew, the simplest way to create a home decor fabric window shade or roman shade is by sewing it yourself. To get started, just follow these instructions on how to make roman shades. More DIY projects and tutorials are here! For more ideas, check out our “17 Best Home Decor Ideas under $100” blog post too!
Conclusion:
Turning your yard into a more hospitable space doesn’t mean you have to spend any money or that it has to be permanent. You can easily decorate your outdoor spaces in inexpensive and creative ways by repurposing and recycling materials that you already have at home. We hope this guide helps with some inspiration!